TechStart supports student learning and teacher training through collaboration and funding. Key programs supported by TechStart include:

Technology Educator of the year Awards

TechStart annually honors three outstanding K-12 Oregon and SW Washington technology educators with the Technology Educator of the Year Award, which comes with a cash stipend of $1,000 for their classroom to spend on tech education materials including hardware, software, services, or curriculum. Look for the chance to nominate educators for the 2025 award in February 2025. Click here to access the educator nomination form.

technology student of the year award

TechStart recognizes a Student of the Year and two runners-up among high school juniors and seniors. The award includes a $2,500 scholarship that can be applied to educational expenses and associated costs. Look for the chance to nominate students for the 2025 award in February 2025. Click here to access the student nomination form.

TAo Tech awards student showcase

The Technology Association of Oregon’s 40th Annual Tech Awards will feature a student showcase sponsored and organized by TechStart. We will be showcasing the work of up to 12 student teams in a demonstration hall at the Tech Awards. Our goal is to showcase the diversity of our K-12 technology students and show off projects to leaders of Oregon’s top tech companies.

Superquest

This Oregon Computer Science Teachers Association (OCSTA) program provides intensive, hands-on workshops to K-12 educators statewide.

The Oregon Game Project Challenge (OGPC)

The Oregon Game Project Challenge is a statewide game programming competition that introduces students to computer programming basics while also educating them in science and current events.

Check out our latest 2024 podcast, proudly featured on Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB): The Oregon Game Project Challenge lets students become game developers

OCSTA Spring and Fall Conferences

With TechStart’s support, OCSTA holds two conferences annually that include workshops and opportunities for educators across the state to network and share best practices.

George Fox Programming Contest

This annual George Fox University statewide high school competition requires teams to solve challenging programming problems on tight time frames. Open to students of all skill levels, this event supports teamwork and simulates a real-world work experience.

ORTOP

TechStart provides coach training for the Oregon Robotics Tournament and Outreach Program (ORTOP), an affiliate of the global First LEGO League robotics competition.

Do you know of a program that TechStart should be supporting? Reach out to let us know.